“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress, working together is success.” – Henry Ford

HON may manufacture office furniture, but we sell something much more important: Productivity. What it means to be productive is always changing, and the path to get there is very fluid. Currently, the big buzz words around productivity are ‘collaboration’ and ‘interaction’. Younger generations are driving this change in the typical work day, and I don’t think they are going anywhere. The 9-to-5 gig will continue to be a more group-oriented experience. Workstations will become more dynamic. Private offices will lose their clout. Walls will come down, and teamwork will be at the heart of business. It is time to adjust to the new world and the solution is simple: Between™ Tables.

Henry Ford said it best, “Working together is success.” So, why not invest in tools that make that success possible? Between is a contemporary table line that is compatible with any space in the office. With three shapes and multiple heights, all available in our full line of HON laminates, there is nowhere this line won’t fit.

Between tables are all about taking all those nooks and extra spaces in your office and transforming them into places that drive productivity. Between is simple. Between is easy. Between is, for all intents and purposes, perfect for that space between. At a competitive price and with a design that makes reconfiguring a breeze, there isn’t much to not love about HON’s newest table line.

Between can be used in a breakroom, a back room, the server room, or even in the hallway. Between is a tool that will help you leverage every square inch of your space to create a productive environment, so that even the smallest of spaces can be the place of the next great innovation. So, whether you find yourself shooting the breeze over lunch, or planning the next billion-dollar acquisition, let Between tables propel you to the next level.

The workplace has gone through many shifts over the years, with style, layout, design, and furniture having a lot to do with that. My name is Jared Roumfort and I am a 21-year-old college student at the University of Northern Iowa, currently interning in Marketing at The HON Company. While being here this summer, I have already learned a lot about the workplace and the different tendencies people have. Do you like to work independently in a private space? In an open floor plan with an interactive and engaging setting? Or maybe a mixture of both?

Being in my early twenties makes me part of the Generation Z class, just missing the Millennial Generation. However, many people in college are also Millennials, making us a diverse group. From my experience, people my age favor an engaging setting within an office, allowing them to perform tasks collaboratively rather than working independently. The workplace is gravitating towards this exact style – a responsive, hands-on approach towards everyday work that makes it easier for many people my age to perform. It is important to connect and build relationships within the workplace, allowing the bonds between coworkers to be strengthened and making it feel more comfortable and inviting for everyone. Along with that, I have seen many employees my age prefer furniture that connects with an open floor plan. To support these work styles, lightweight, mobile, and flexible furniture that is adaptable for any office is becoming the norm. Tables that have a multi-purpose function are what I believe younger employees are looking for in their office spaces. The ability to customize features, such as color, design, and material, is also extremely valued.

A HON product line that often comes to mind for fitting the preferences of my generation is Flock®. In a world that increasingly values freedom and mobility, fewer people work in one spot. We all work everywhere now, constantly seeking out relaxing spaces to maximize opportunities for productivity. Flock connects home and office, bringing people together within a casual workplace setting that allows everyone to find comfort and quality. This furniture collection features soft seating products and collaborative tables for endless possibilities to mix and match in any workspace. In my opinion, younger workers need variety and choice to perform their best, seeking comfortable spaces that inspire and engage. An inviting atmosphere, like the one Flock creates, can help attract anyone to a business – especially those who focus on interaction every day.

Furniture has more of an impact on life than we may realize. We’ve all heard about the sit-to-stand revolution and a focus on wellness in the workplace. This continues to change the way we work and how we can perform and contribute while incorporating movement into the workday. Flock supports relaxed postures and encourages everyone to work in a change-of-pace environment. Another essential part of everyday life for all workers, but specifically my generation, is technology. Technology has enabled us to work from anywhere and expand our boundaries. Growing up in the era of technology has also enabled employees my age to understand and communicate thoroughly by multi-tasking. When in the office, we are no longer tethered to our desk and are free to work in various settings depending on the task. My generation is also comfortable working differently because of technology. Being able to multi-task on the phone, computer, and in person has given people a unique set of skills that benefit the modern workplace. There is a comfort working with many people nearby while still focusing on your work, and this makes Flock a very desirable and productive solution.

Overall, Flock has the ability to invite and connect people together while having a positive experience. Office spaces have evolved in more ways than one, but with the style my generation prefers, it is an exciting and welcoming change that continues to develop.

For more information about how this product line can attract and retain younger workers, check out HON’s recent Flock expansion at hon.com/flock.

Quality is more than a word at The HON Company. It’s a promise, a commitment to upholding our decades-long dedication to manufacturing a superior product. With our new Centerpiece™ line, that commitment is once again driven home with our top-of-the-line veneer hardwoods, superior craftsmanship, and unwavering attention to detail.

Centerpiece is a classy, elegant veneer desk and table line. With layouts designed to support a variety of work styles, our newest desk line will work with you to accomplish your daily tasks. Moreover, Centerpiece is rooted in practicality. Our sit-to-stand option, working with our Coordinate™ Height Adjustable Base, makes your workstation not only functional, but centered around the way you work.

With a breadth of line that focuses on the office suite essentials, Centerpiece boasts a collaborative yet classic design. A broad range of storage options makes cluttered workspaces a thing of the past with clean lines and effective organization front and center. Furthermore, Centerpiece offers multiple table designs and leg options for optimal productivity away from the desk or private office.

Centerpiece comes with a variety of power options to make this stunning desk line a player for all your technological needs. To polish off its well-rounded details, eight finish selections are available from our classic Mahogany to our sought after Pinnacle.

Centerpiece opened for orders on December 12th and is poised to become a fixture in the Veneer market. To customize your work environment to compliment your work style, visit the Centerpiece spotlight page today!

If you took all of the different table lines that manufacturers had to offer and lined them up end to end, I would venture to say you could reach the moon and back more than a few times. The great news is that you only need one table line when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your office – the new Build table series from HON.

The Building Blocks of a Great Table:

AdaptabilityIn a society where millennials are quickly becoming the prevailing majority in the workforce, you need a table that will fit the work style of the millennial, the baby boomer, and something for when the two come together. Here are just four different ways you can use Build™ tables in today’s workplace:

Commons: Group a few together in the commons area for impromptu one-on-one meetings, group discussions, and everything in between.

Breakout: Integrate them into workstation areas to give employees a breakout meeting area without having to completely relocate.

Training: Use them in a training room, and rearrange as needed to accommodate any size group or any type of training.

Focused: Take advantage of unused nooks and smaller spaces in the office to give employees the opportunity to find a little quiet time.

AestheticOne of the oldest sayings in the book is that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s equally true for what your office furniture says about you to your employees and visitors alike. Odds are, you’re going to want something that has a classic look without being overly outdated or staid.

Build™ offers not only 26 standard laminate options and 14 edge options, but also two different leg finishes, casters or glides and five unique and interchangeable table top shapes.

Feeling traditional? Pair a couple of rectangular tables in a classic woodgrain finish together for a mobile conference room. Want something a little more unique? Arrange six of the new kite tables in Pomegranate or Blue Agave laminate for a floral-inspired group setting.

Attention to DetailLike all HON products, Build™ was designed with the end user in mind. Inspired by practicality, HON created a table that could be used alone, or mixed and matched with others to create a space that is completely new. It includes height adjustability from 25” to 34” so that it fits just right for any individual. And of course, it’s backed by the HON Full Lifetime Warranty, so you can rest easy knowing that you and your purchase are covered.

Preside, a holistic table solution to fit your space and design aesthetic, just keeps getting better. Whether it’s used as a stand-alone solution or matched with existing HON desk lines, Preside was designed to adapt to the needs of any space, outfitting all areas: conference, meeting, café and commons, collaborative, engaging spaces and more. With so much to offer, what more could HON add? Well, this week we’re introducing three key enhancements that will make Preside an even more versatile solution.

1. From Conference Room to Collaborative SpaceThe Preside expansion addresses growing workplace trends with new collaborative table solutions. These new tables help bring people together and offer a clean, modern design. Available in 72” or 96” lengths, select from seated- or standing-height. Like the rest of the Preside line, these tables are available with or without technology. Choose between a full or half modesty panel, or a stretcher beam and no modesty panel when powered. Even more reason to love these new collaborative tables, the modesty panels can now be specified in the same laminate as the top or a coordinating laminate for a dual finish look!

2. Power Up with More Technology OptionsEveryone is plugged in and on the go, so quick and easy access to power is important in both the conference and collaborative spaces. Preside has always had power options, but our recent additions provide more flexibility. New Extron plates offer more data options such as DP, VGA, HDMI and USB. These plates fit into the existing flip-top ports making it easy to swap out when power/media needs change, creating a future-proof way to power up Preside tables. Staying connected is something to get excited about!

3. Build-Your-Own Perfect SpaceNew credenza options make it easy to create just the right solution for any space. The Preside hospitality credenza was revamped last year to add great features, like hidden drawers and ventilation for a mini-fridge. While these great options are still available, the recent expansion includes a smaller, 60” buffet credenza (also with ventilation) and new modular credenza components. The new modular models allow you to choose from a bookshelf with a door unit, an open bookshelf, or a box drawer and door unit. The units can be mixed and matched to create just the right credenza for any space. Units can then share a spanning top and a spanning back for a finished and custom look. Sizable, custom looking credenzas- who wouldn’t get excited?

Preside has always been an exciting solution, but these new expansions reinvigorate our excitement for this popular collaborative solution. Which new enhancement are you most excited about?

Who said comfort and productivity can’t coexist? Say hello to HON’s new welcome furniture collection, Grove™ – where connectivity and comfort come naturally.

It doesn’t take research to tell us that we’re happier when we’re comfortable. We do our best when we feel relaxed and supported. Grove is the right choice when it comes to wanting a versatile lounge designed to help you greet, meet, focus, relax and accomplish more. Whether you’re looking to bring people together or respect their personal space, Grove is the natural choice.

Thick, comfy cushions. A place to put your feet up, huddle up and power up. Remind you of home? Grove supports today’s agile workforce with a change-of-pace lounge that delivers the comfort people crave. Take a break from the workstation or grab a latte with a colleague. Grove gives people choice over how and where they work, which helps lead to a happier, more creative culture.

The design draws a crowd. The legs turn heads. The dual fabric makes a bold statement. As attractive as it is, the natural beauty of Grove soft seating is rivaled only by its flexibility. There are four sizes and multiple styles to choose from. Accessories that support connectivity and collaboration. It’s why Grove has the look you’re going for, and the comfort and versatility people have been waiting for.

Here are just a few more reasons why we love Grove:

First Impressions.How you greet a guest speaks volumes. Offering comfort, connectivity, and convenience is step one towards making a great impression.

Take Five. Or Ten.Enjoy your favorite cup of joe. Take a quick break with a friend. Get a quick change in scenery and stay productive away from the workstation.

Never Double Booked.Getting the conference room when you need it can be like winning the lottery. Grove settings with tablet arms and table top surfaces make it a win-win. It’s like having a conference space whenever you need it!

Limitless Options.Grove is available in 1-seat, 2-seat, 2-seat with integrated table and 3-seat, all with the choice of two arm styles or without arms, as well as two polymer leg options or eight hardwood finish options.

Make a statement with Grove when selecting from hundreds of high-quality HON fabrics or dress it up with dual fabric options for limitless design options!

Networking is the act of making a meaningful connection with a member of your community, another professional in your industry or related field, or a coworker within your organization, including members inside and outside of your team. Once a connection is made, you can build these relationships by making an effort to keep in touch, asking if someone needs help on a project, inviting another member to lunch, or by finding a common interest or passion to discuss. Networking is not just about whoyou know, but whoknows you.

Why is networking important?

“By getting out there, you make yourself known and not just another name on a sheet of paper,” says Brad Karsh, President of JobBound, in his article, What Does ‘Networking’ Really Mean? The more you make yourself known, the more likely it is that your name will come up when hiring managers discuss future job opportunities. It’s also a great way to help you move up or around within your current organization. If management does not know who you are, how will they know you are a great asset to the team?

How do I network?

The best way to start networking is to find something in common! This will open the door for a great conversation.

When networking within your own organization, find mentors both on and off your team. For example, if you are part of the Marketing Department, it might be useful to find a mentor in Marketing as well as a mentor in the Finance Department. Because of the many ways these two departments overlap and interact, understanding another function will help you become more efficient at your job. Try volunteering to be a part of a project outside of your regular scope of work, or reaching out to your manager to let them know that you are looking for additional opportunities on cross-functional teams.

Some of the ways we promote networking here at HON include “Lunch and Learn” collaborative meetings, Leadership Roundtable discussions and weekly touch base meetings with managers. Keep an eye out for any opportunity you have to build a relationship with another member in your organization!

Ask the individual questions to show your interest in getting to know him or her.

Always thank the individual for his or her time, in person or with a thank you note.

Smile! Show that you are having a good time creating this new connection.

Additional networking tips from Andrew Vest’s article, How to Network The Right Way: Eight Tips include networking before you need it, trying not to dismiss anyone as unimportant, generously helping others prior to needing something from them – give more than you receive, and build genuine relationships!

Most importantly, remember that networking isn’t over once you start the initial conversation; continue to stay in touch with these new connections!